Phontom BT Debt Wescott Collecting

[willo1234567]

Wescott have been chasing me for a BT bill of £140 for about the last month. The thing is I do not owe this, they claim its from my last address, I never had a BT account there as I had a Vrigin phone line.

 

I called them and told them, but they said they will keep chasing untill their client tells them otherwise. I said if you can provide me with proof that I owe this money I will happily pay, they said its up to me to proove I dont owe it? How can I do that?

 

I've had about 5 letters now, all saying the same thing, even a letter from Wescott mascerading as a solcitor.

 

Should I just give in and pay? If not, what would you suggest? I definitely do not owe this money.

 

Many Thanks.

[cerberusalert]

The onus is on them to prove a debt exists, send them this;

 

Dear Sir/Madam

 

Account no:

 

You have contacted me/us regarding the account with the above reference number, which you claim is owed by myself/ourselves.

 

I/we would point out that I/we have no knowledge of any such debt being owed to (insert company name).

 

I am/we are familiar with the Office of Fair Trading Debt Collection Guidance which states that it unfair to send demands for payment to an individual when it is uncertain that they are the debtor in question.

 

I/we would also point out that the OFT say under the Guidance that it is unfair to pursue third parties for payment when they are not liable. In not ceasing collection activity whilst investigating a reasonably queried or disputed debt you are using deceptive/and or unfair methods.

 

Furthermore ignoring and/or disregarding claims that debts have been settled or are disputed and continuing to make unjustified demands for payment amounts to physical/psychological harassment.

 

I/we would ask that no further contact be made concerning the above account unless you can provide evidence as to my/our liability for the debt in question.

 

I/we await your written confirmation that this matter is now closed. Otherwise I will have no option but to make a complaint to the trading standards department and consider informing the OFT of your actions.

 

I/we look forward to your reply.

 

**Edit to suit**

 

Remember, don’t sign the letter.

[willo1234567]

Thankyou for your quick reply. Why would you say not to sign the letter? Also, if I did leave this what is the worst that could happen? Will they actually bother to take it further?

 

Many Thanks.

[cerberusalert]

We make a point of advising people never to sign letters because it is alleged that certain DCAs have a nefarious use for Photoshop and recreate certain documents.

[willo1234567]

Ah right, I see. So how about I sign it with a completely fake signature? Can they actually do anything legally?

[cerberusalert]

If you have a pet they could sign it and Westcott couldn't do a damn thing.

[Huff&Puff]

A quick Google will soon reveal plenty of freely downloadable handwriting fonts. Many are quite realistic and perfect for communications with DCAs

 

I print my letters using a colour laser printer, with the "sig" in a different colour to the rest of the letter - you have to look very hard to see that it isn't written. I have lived in hope that the "sig" would one day turn up on a supposed CCA, but I suppose it isn't likely to happen now, all my old debts except one are Statute Barred.

[kiptower]

little tip when printed with laser printer,( dont work with inkjets ) rub finger over the sig a few times, it softens the wax in the print/toner , and it will make it glossy like done with a biro

[Huff&Puff]

Excellent. I'll remember that for the future - thanks :)